Creative Commons licensing allows average technology users just like you and me to share intellectual property (or the work we create) and still be able to protect it consistent with the rules of copyright. You can use Creative Commons (CC) to change your copyright terms from "All Rights Reserved" to "Some Rights Reserved." You can allow others to use any work you create, change it in any way they need, and give you credit for your contribution to the intellectual property.

Find out more: http://creativecommons.org/about/what-is-cc

To quote creativecommons.org . . .

"Some Rights Reserved
Creative Commons defines the spectrum of possibilities between full copyright and the public domain. From all rights reserved to no rights reserved. Our licenses help you keep your copyright while allowing certain uses of your work — a “some rights reserved” copyright."

By choosing a CC license, "Creators choose a set of conditions they wish to apply to their work." There are six main licenses. Check this page for a complete list: http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/